World Cup: Skipper Babar Azam asks fans, well-wishers for prayers

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has asked fans and well-wishers for prayers as the national team heads for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held in India from October 5.

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup would be the 13th edition of the Cricket World Cup, beginning on October 5 and concluding on November 19 in India.

The prolific batter and captain, Babar Azam wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “As we head for the World Cup, we seek prayers of all the Pakistan cricket team fans and well-wishers. I am certain that you will continue to extend your support and love, which you have always done.”

Pakistan would play New Zealand on September 29 and Australia on October 3, respectively in the warm-up fixtures prior to the ICC Cricket World Cup.

The warm-up matches would be plated from September 29 to October 3 across three venues in India-Guwahati, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram.

However, Pakistan will open its World Cup campaign against Netherlands on October 6 (Friday).

Pakistan squad includes Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imamul Haq, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usama Mir.

Three reserves have also been named- wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, and fast bowler Zaman Khan.